Beloved UWS eatery Jacob's Pickles shuttered for roaches, rats, sewage

Upper West Side eatery Jacob's Pickles was abruptly shuttered this week following a slew of icky code violations.
The Department of Health temporarily closed the Southern-style dining hotspot after the place showed evidence of rats and roaches. The restaurant was also cited for having an 'improper, inadequate, or unapproved' sewage disposal system.
An inspection report revealed that the venue, located at 509 Amsterdam Ave. between 84th and 85th Streets, also allegedly failed to properly protect 'food, supplies, or equipment' from possible contamination sources.
The shutdown took effect Wednesday with a statement from the restaurant claiming they'll be back open come Monday.
3 The Jacob's Pickles website said the restaurant was closed for renovations.
Photo: Eilon Paz
'While unexpected, we're genuinely grateful this issue was brought to our attention,' the statement read. 'With the guidance of the health department, we uncovered underlying structural issues that contributed to unforeseen facility maintenance challenges.
'The safety of our guests and staff is always our top priority, and we will not reopen until every concern is resolved in full compliance with NYC Health Code standards,' the statement concluded.
3 Health inspectors shut the restaurant down Wednesday.
JHVEPhoto – stock.adobe.com
3 Inspectors found evidence of rats living in the restaurant.
Katsiaryna – stock.adobe.com
The restaurant's website stated that Jacob's Pickles was closed for renovations and 'will open in a few days.'
Jacob's Pickles has had a C rating with the Department of Health since December.
Owner Jacob Hadjigeorgis said in May 2024 he would move the American restaurant to a new location at 688 Columbus Ave., between 93rd and 94th Streets, after which he planned to open a new bar, Velvet Cowboy, inside the space Jacob's Pickles had occupied.
It's unclear if Hadjigeorgis' plans have changed.

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